Appliance with timed preheating for dispensed fluids

ABSTRACT

A refrigerator appliance is provided that includes a hot water dispenser and/or hot beverage dispenser. The appliance can provide the hot water at a particular time selected by the user. In addition, the appliance can also be equipped to provide the hot water over a particular period of time. As such, the user can avoid an undesirable or inconvenient waiting period for dispensing hot water and certain energy efficiencies can be provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a refrigerator appliance that dispenses heated water or heated beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain refrigerator appliances include a dispenser for providing water and/or ice. For example, ice can be provided from the refrigerator's ice maker. Water may be routed through the refrigerator compartments for cooling prior to dispensing. A user can activate the dispenser to direct a flow of ice or water into a cup positioned within the dispenser. Water directed to the dispenser is generally chilled or at an ambient temperature.

A user may also desire to also have hot water or a hot beverage dispensed from the refrigerator as well. Hot water could be used e.g., to make tea, coffee, and other beverages. Different temperature ranges may be desirable depending upon the intended use.

Refrigerator appliances are generally not connected to a residential hot water heater. Further, connecting refrigerator appliances to residential hot water heaters for purposes of dispensing can have certain drawbacks. For example, certain consumers dislike consuming heated water from residential hot water heaters because such heated water may not be filtered. Such consumers may also dislike the taste of such heated water. Also, heated water from residential hot water heaters is generally heated to about one-hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit, e.g., to avoid scalding and save energy. However, certain foods and beverages may require water at a higher temperature. For example, consumers may prefer coffee, tea, and/or oatmeal created with water at a higher temperature than typically provided by a residential hot water heater.

To provide hot water or a heated beverage, a refrigerator appliance can be equipped with one or more features for heating water or the beverage. In particular, a heating element can be used to provide e.g., heated water at the dispenser. However, a considerable amount of power is required to provide such heating and this requirement may be higher than electrical and/or building codes allow. For example, the water heating element may be limited to a maximum power output of about seven-hundred and fifty watts due to electrical codes or other regulations. As a result, several minutes may be required before the water heating element can heat the water to the temperature desired by the user. F or some users, this waiting period may be undesirable and inconvenient.

Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with one or more features for providing heated water would be useful. Such a refrigerator appliance that can reduce or eliminate the time a user waits for the appliance to dispense hot water would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a refrigerator appliance that includes a hot water dispenser. The appliance can have hot water ready at a particular time selected by the user. In addition, the appliance can also be equipped to provide the hot water over a particular period of time. As such, the user can avoid an undesirable or inconvenient waiting period for dispensing hot water and certain energy efficiencies can be provided by avoiding the continuous maintenance of hot water over extended time periods. The present invention can also be used for dispensing heated beverages as well. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser, the method comprising the steps of placing fluid into a container; receiving a first temperature, TEMP-1, to which the fluid is to be heated; providing a first time, TIME-1, by which the fluid is to be ready at first temperature, TEMP-1; ascertaining a first time period, Δt₁, required to heat the fluid in the container to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; and operating a heater for at least the first time period, Δt₁, before first time, TIME-1, so as to heat the fluid and provide the fluid at about first temperature, TEMP-1, by the first time, TIME-1.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigerator appliance. The appliance includes one or more refrigerated chambers; a dispenser for providing a heated fluid; and a fluid heating assembly configured to provide heated fluid to the dispenser. The fluid heating assembly includes a container for the receipt of a fluid to be heated; a heater for heating fluid in the container; and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the container. A controller is provided in communication with the heater and the temperature sensor. The controller is configured for receiving a first temperature, TEMP-1, to which the fluid in the container is to be heated; receiving a first time, TIME-1, by which the fluid is to be ready at first temperature, TEMP-1; ascertaining a first time period, Δt₁, required to heat the fluid in the container to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; and operating the heater for at least the first time period, Δt₁, before first time, TIME-1, so as to heat the fluid and provide the fluid at about first temperature, TEMP-1, by about the first time, TIME-1.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of a water heating assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a water heating assembly according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 sets forth a flow chart according to an exemplary method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120. Housing 120 extends between an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 102 along a vertical direction V and also extends between a first side portion 103 and a second side portion 104 along a lateral direction L. Housing 120 defines chilled chambers, e.g., a fresh food compartment 122 positioned adjacent upper portion 101 of housing 120 and a freezer compartment 124 arranged at lower portion 102 of housing 120. Housing 120 also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system for cooling fresh food compartment 122 and freezer compartment 124.

Refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator appliance. However, it should be understood that refrigerator appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Thus, the present subject matter is not limited to refrigerator appliance 100 and may be utilized in any suitable refrigerator appliance. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that the present subject matter may be used with side-by-side style refrigerator appliances, top mount refrigerator appliances, and other styles and configurations as well.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for accessing fresh food compartment 122. A freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for accessing freezer compartment 124. Freezer door 130 is mounted to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably coupled within freezer compartment 124.

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes an ice-dispensing assembly 110 for dispensing water and/or ice. Ice-dispensing assembly 110 includes a dispenser 114 positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100. Dispenser 114 includes several outlets for accessing ice, chilled water, and heated water. In particular, a chilled water paddle 134 is mounted below a chilled water outlet 132 for accessing chilled water, and a heated water paddle 152 is mounted below a heated water outlet 150 for accessing heated water. Similarly, an ice paddle 138 is mounted below an ice outlet 136 for accessing ice. As an example, a user can urge a vessel such as a cup against any of chilled water paddle 134, heated water paddle 152, and/or ice paddle 138 to initiate a flow of chilled water, heated water, and/or ice into the vessel, respectively.

A user interface panel 140 is provided for controlling the mode of operation of dispenser 114, e.g., for selecting crushed or whole ice. In additional exemplary embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a single outlet and single paddle rather than three separate paddles and dispensers. In such embodiments, user interface panel 140 can include a chilled water dispensing button (not labeled), an ice-dispensing button (not labeled), and a heated water dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting between chilled water, heated water, and ice, respectively. Alternatively, a single button or knob may be used to selected between chilled water, heated water, and ice. Other configurations may also be used.

Refrigerator 100 can be operated by a controller 154 or other processing device according to programming and/or user preference via manipulation of a control interface 140 that is connected with (or otherwise in communication with) controller 154. Controller 154 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with the operation of the refrigerator. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The controller may include one or more proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers programmed, equipped, or configured to operate the refrigerator appliance according to exemplary aspects of the control method set forth herein.

Controller 154 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller may be located e.g., within a door—but other locations may be used as well. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of refrigerator 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through e.g., the back, sides, or mullion 26. Typically, through user interface panel 140, a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor the operation of refrigerator 100. In one embodiment, user interface panel 140 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, user interface panel 140 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface panel 140 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface panel 140 may be in communication with controller 154 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

Outlets 132, 136, and 150 and paddles 134, 138, and 152 are an external part of dispenser 114, and are mounted in a concave portion of dispenser 114 defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door 128. Dispenser 114 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water, e.g., enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer compartment 124. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser 114 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a fluid heating assembly 160 for generating a heated fluid such as heated water. An exemplary embodiment of assembly 160 will now be described with reference to heated water. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention could also be used to provide heated beverages such as e.g., tea or coffee as well.

Refrigerator appliance 100 is not necessarily connected to a residential hot water heating system in order to supply heated water to heated water outlet 150. In particular, refrigerator appliance 100 uses water heating assembly 160 mounted within refrigerator door 128 for heating water therein. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a tee-joint 162 for splitting a flow of water. Tee-joint 162 directs water to both a heated water conduit 166 and a chilled water conduit 164.

Heated water conduit 166 is in fluid communication with water heating assembly 160 and heated water outlet 150. Thus, water from tee-joint 162 can pass through water heating assembly 160 and exit refrigerator appliance 100 at heated water outlet 150 as heated water. Conversely, chilled water conduit 164 is in fluid communication with chilled water outlet 132. Thus, water from tee-joint 162 can exit refrigerator appliance 100 as chilled water at chilled water outlet 132. Other configurations or routings can also be used as well.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of an exemplary fluid heating assembly or water heating assembly 200 as may be used in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Water heating assembly 200 may be utilized in a refrigerator appliance, e.g., refrigerator appliance 100, as the water heating assembly 160 (FIG. 1). Water heating assembly 200 is configured for generating heated water as discussed in greater detail below.

Water heating assembly 200 includes a vacuum flask or vacuum insulated container 210. Vacuum insulated container 210 includes an outer wall 211 and an inner wall 212. Outer and inner walls 211 and 212 define a vacuum volume 213 therebetween. Vacuum volume 213 contains very little gas relative to the ambient atmosphere in order to assist with insulating contents of vacuum insulated container 210.

A cap 250 is mounted to vacuum insulated container 210 at opening 216 of vacuum insulated container 210. Cap 250 assists with sealing heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210. In particular, cap 250 can assist with hindering heat flow out of heated chamber 214 through opening 216. Cap 250 can be mounted at opening 216 utilizing any suitable method. For example, cap 250 may be threaded to vacuum insulated container 210. Alternatively, cap 250 may be mounted to vacuum insulated container 210 using an adhesive or interference fit.

Water heating assembly 200 also includes a heating element 220 that is received within heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210. Heating element 220 is configured for heating water within heated chamber 214. Heating element 220 may be any suitable heating element. For example, heating element 220 may be an electrical resistance heating element. Heating element 220 is mounted to cap 250 and extends into heated chamber 214 for heating water therein as discussed in greater detail below.

Heating element 220 may have any suitable power output. For example, after heated water is dispensed from heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210, heating element 220 can operate in a recovery mode or phase in which relatively cool water entering heated chamber 214 is heated. During such recovery mode, heating element 220 can have a power output between about ten watts and about seven-hundred and fifty watts. After the water within heated chamber 214 reaches a suitable temperature, e.g., about one-hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit, heating element 220 can operate in a maintenance mode or phase in which heating element 220 operates to maintain water within heated chamber 214 at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures. In such maintenance mode, heating element 220 may have a power output of about four watts, about three watts, about two watts, about one watt, less than about one watt, between about three watts and about one watt, or less than about four watts.

An inlet conduit 230 is configured for directing a flow of water (shown with arrows F_(c)) into heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210. In particular, inlet conduit 230 passes through opening 216 of vacuum insulated container 210 in order to direct the flow of water F_(c) through opening 216 and into heated chamber 214. Inlet conduit 230 has an outlet 232 positioned proximate bottom portion 219 of vacuum insulated container 210. The flow of water F_(c) exits inlet conduit 230 and enters heated chamber 214 at outlet 232. Inlet conduit 230 may be mounted to cap 250 or any other suitable component of water heating assembly 200 or refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1). Water heating assembly 200 also includes a valve 260 for regulating or controlling the flow of water F_(c) through inlet conduit 230.

An outlet conduit 240 is configured for directing a flow of heated water (shown with arrows F_(h)) out of heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210. In particular, outlet conduit 240 passes through opening 216 of vacuum insulated container 210 in order to direct the flow of heated water F_(h) through opening 216 and out of heated chamber 214. Outlet conduit 240 has an inlet 242 positioned proximate top portion 218 of vacuum insulated container 210. The flow of heated water F_(h) exits heated chamber 214 and enters outlet conduit 240 at inlet 242. Outlet conduit 240 may be mounted to cap 250 or any other suitable component of water heating assembly 200 or refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1).

As an example, valve 260 can permit flow of water F_(c) to fill heated chamber 214 of vacuum insulated container 210 through inlet conduit 230. Within heated chamber such water can be heated with heating element 220. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, water heated by heating element 220 will rise within heated chamber 214. Thus, heated water and relatively cooler water will segregate within heated chamber 214 such that the heated water collects near top portion 218 of vacuum insulated container 210 adjacent inlet 242 of outlet conduit 240. In turn, outlet conduit 240 can direct flow of heated water F_(h) out of heated chamber 214, e.g., to dispenser 114 of refrigerator appliance 100 (FIG. 1) for dispensing by a user.

Heated volume 214 can hold water heated to relatively high temperatures (such as e.g., about one-hundred and eighty degrees Fahrenheit) for long periods of time without the temperature of the heated water dropping significantly due to vacuum insulated container 210. Once the water is heated, water heating assembly 200 can supply heated water to a user on demand without a significant time lag. Further, while the heated water is held in heated volume 214, heating element 220 can have a low power output due to vacuum insulated container 210 such that water heating assembly 200 has relatively high energy efficiency despite holding heated water within heated chamber 214.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a water heating assembly 300 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Water heating assembly 300 is similar to water heating assembly 200 (FIG. 2). However, vacuum insulated container 210 is oriented in a different manner in water heating assembly 300. In particular, opening 216 of vacuum insulated container 210 is positioned adjacent bottom portion 219 of vacuum insulated container 210 rather than bottom portion 218. Further, outlet 232 of inlet conduit 230 is positioned proximate top portion 218 of vacuum insulated container 210, and inlet 242 of outlet conduit 240 is positioned proximate bottom portion 219 of vacuum insulated container 210. Water heating assembly 300 otherwise operates in a similar manner to water heating assembly 200 described above.

In order to further improve the efficiency of fluid heating assembly 200, it is desirable to avoid powering heating element 220 continuously during operation of refrigerator appliance 100. Heating assembly 200 could be configured to activate heating element 220 only upon request by a user for dispensing heated water such as by pressing e.g., paddle 152 or a button on user interface panel 140. However, as previously discussed, unless heated water is already present in container 210, the user will have to wait for a time period sufficient to allow heating element 220 to heat the water in container 210 to the desired temperature. This time period may be inconvenient or undesirable for certain users.

Accordingly, controller 154 can be programmed or configured to operate heating assembly 200—including heating element 220—in a manner that provides heated water to the user at the desired temperatures at one or more desired times. Furthermore, the time period over which the heated water will remain available can also be selected by the user. FIG. 4 provides an exemplary method of operation for which controller 154 can be configured, which will now be further described. It should be understood that FIG. 4 is provided by way of example only. Other methods may also be employed including e.g., a different ordering of steps from what is shown.

From start 310, controller 154 can place fluid in container 210 as indicated in step 315 of FIG. 4. Alternatively, a level sensor could be provided in container 210 by which controller 154 can check to see if sufficient fluid is present in container 210. Next, in step 320, controller 154 can receive the desired first temperature, referred to herein as TEMP-1, at which the user desired a heat fluid to be dispensed. More particularly, using e.g., user interface panel 140 communicating with controller 154, the user can specify the first temperature, TEMP-1, at which the user would like water or another heated beverage to be dispensed from appliance 100. For example, for TEMP-1 the user might select 140 degrees Fahrenheit or some other desired temperature for dispensing the fluid.

In step 322, using interface panel 140, the user can also provide a first time, TIME-1, at which the fluid should be ready for dispensing at temperature TEMP-1. For example, the user might select 7:00 AM or some other time as a time at which fluid should be available at a temperature of TEMP-1.

As indicated in step 324, upon receiving these user inputs of TIME-1 and TEMP-1, controller 154 can ascertain or determine the amount of time—referred to herein as Δt₁—that will be required to heat the water in container 210 to TEMP-1. For example, controller 154 may determine that a Δt₁ of 20 minutes is required to heat the fluid in container 210 to a temperature of TEMP-1. As will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein, a variety of techniques could be used for such determination. For example, controller 154 could receive temperature measurements from one or both of temperature sensors 262 and 264 to indicate the current temperature of the fluid in container 210. Using this information and either knowing the amount of fluid in container 210 or assuming a certain amount is present, controller 154 could be programmed with an algorithm and/or empirical data that allows a prediction of Δt₁. Other techniques could be used as well.

Next, in step 326, controller 154 operates heater 210 for the time period Δt₁ before first time TIME-1 so as heat the fluid in container 210 to TEMP-1 by first TIME-1. For example, assume again that the user selects a TEMP-1 of 140 degrees Fahrenheit a TIME-1 of 7:00 AM. If controller 154 ascertains a Δt₁ of 20 minutes, then controller 154 might activate heating element 220 by at least 6:40 AM so that the fluid in container 210 is at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit by 7:00 AM. At 7:00 AM or upon reaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit, controller 154 can deactivate heating element 220 as indicated in step 328. In still another embodiment, controller 154 might activate heating element 220 even earlier than 6:40 AM and then place heating element 220 in a maintenance mode until at least 7:00 AM while monitoring the temperature using one or both of sensors 262 and 264. During this maintenance mode, a lower wattage output could be used for heating element 220.

Once TIME-1 is reached, controller 154 can be configured to maintain the temperature of the fluid in container 210 for second period of time—referred to herein as Δt₂—that can be received from the user. More particularly, using interface panel 140, the user can specify a second time period—Δt₂—over which the fluid in container 210 is to be maintained at TEMP-1. Returning to the previous example, the user might indicate a Δt₂ of one hour. In which case, the controller 154 would maintain the temperature of the fluid in container 210 at 140 degrees Fahrenheit from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Other time periods could also be used. In an alternate but equivalent manner, the user could specify a time to which the fluid should remain at TEMP-1 and controller 154 could maintain the fluid at TEMP-1 over the resulting time period Δt₂. Returning to the previous example, through panel 140 the user might indicate that the fluid should remain available at 140 degree Fahrenheit (TEMP-1) until 8:00 AM—from which controller 154 would determine that Δt₂ is one hour. As previously mentioned, during Δt₂, controller 154 can operate heating element 220 in e.g., a maintenance mode at a lower wattage. Once Δt₂ has expired, heating element 220 can be deactivated.

Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that multiple different times and associated time periods could be applied for the dispensing of a hot fluid. For example, controller 154 could be programmed to receive a second time—referred to herein as TIME-2—at which the user desires the availability of a heated fluid at the dispenser. In addition, the user could also be allowed to specify a second temperature—referred to herein as TEMP-2—desired for the fluid at TIME-2 as well another time period over which such temperature should be maintained. Additional times, temperatures, and time periods could also be allowed.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser, the method comprising the steps of: placing fluid into a container; receiving a first temperature, TEMP-1, to which the fluid is to be heated; providing a first time, TIME-1, by which the fluid is to be ready at first temperature, TEMP-1; ascertaining a first time period, Δt₁, required to heat the fluid in the container to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; and operating a heater for at least the first time period, Δt₁, before first time, TIME-1, so as to heat the fluid and provide the fluid at about first temperature, TEMP-1, by the first time, TIME-1.
 2. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of: maintaining the fluid in the container at about the first temperature, TEMP-1, for a second time period, Δt₂.
 3. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of: receiving second time period, Δt₂, from a user of the appliance.
 4. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of: receiving first temperature, TEMP-1, from a user of the refrigerator appliance.
 5. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of: measuring the temperature of the fluid in the container; and determining first time period, Δt₁, using the measured temperature of the fluid in the container.
 6. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: ascertaining a second temperature, TEMP-2, to which fluid in the container is to be heated; providing a second time, TIME-2, by which the fluid is to be ready at the second temperature, TEMP-2; and operating the heater at a second time period, Δt₂, before second TIME-2, so as to heat the fluid and provide the fluid at about second temperature, TEMP-2, by second time, TIME-2.
 7. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 5, further comprising the step of: receiving second temperature, TEMP-2, from a user of the refrigerator appliance.
 8. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 5, further comprising the step of: receiving second time period, Δt₂, from a user of the refrigerator appliance.
 9. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 6, further comprising the step of deactivating the heater after second time period, Δt₂.
 10. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of deactivating the heater after the first time period, Δt₁.
 11. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the step of ascertaining a first time period, Δt₁, further comprises measuring the temperature of the fluid in the container.
 12. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 1, further comprising the step of monitoring the temperature of the fluid in the container during the step of operating the heater.
 13. A method of operating a refrigerator appliance having a hot fluid dispenser as in claim 12, further comprising the step of deactivating the heater once the temperature of the fluid in the container is heated to about the first temperature, TEMP-1.
 14. A refrigerator appliance, comprising: one or more refrigerated chambers; a dispenser for providing a heated fluid; a fluid heating assembly configured to provide heated fluid to the dispenser, the fluid heating assembly comprising a container for the receipt of a fluid to be heated; a heater for heating fluid in the container; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the container; a controller in communication with the heater and the temperature sensor, the controller configured for receiving a first temperature, TEMP-1, to which the fluid in the container is to be heated; receiving a first time, TIME-1, by which the fluid is to be ready at first temperature, TEMP-1; ascertaining a first time period, Δt₁, required to heat the fluid in the container to at least the first temperature, TEMP-1; and operating the heater for at least the first time period, Δt₁, before first time, TIME-1, so as to heat the fluid and provide the fluid at about first temperature, TEMP-1, by about the first time, TIME-1.
 15. A refrigerator appliance as in claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured for maintaining the fluid in the container at about the first temperature, TEMP-1, for a second time period, Δt₂.
 16. A refrigerator appliance as in claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to deactivate the heater after second time period, Δt₂.
 17. A refrigerator appliance as in claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to receive second time period, Δt₂, from a user of the appliance.
 18. A refrigerator appliance as in claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to receive first temperature, TEMP-1, from a user of the refrigerator appliance. 